Date change for food classes

Dates have been changed for a series of three food classes offered by the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA).

If you have ever dreamed of planting a beautiful garden, enjoying delicious seasonal meals using its produce and preserving the excess abundance to use later, these short classes may be of interest to you. All classes will meet Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1230 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon, Ill. The instructors have more than a half century of pooled experience

The first class will focus on planning, planting and caring for a garden: What will you enjoy harvesting and eating? How much will you (realistically) consume? How large an area are you prepared to work on? When should various produce be planted and harvested? Seed-saving techniques will be covered. Experiences will help you learn what to expect. The class will meet March 6.

The second class will be devoted to preparing the garden’s bounty: menu planning, food preparation methods, and sharing preparation and consumption with others. Includes basic bread-baking. The instructors’ time and money-saving techniques and favorite recipes will be shared. It will meet March 20.

The third class will concentrate on preserving food for use throughout the non-gardening part of the year: freezing, drying, canning and storing. Actual preservation techniques will be taught and tried. It will meet April 10.

All classes will be hands-on and will stress actual involvement and experience. Class members will share in preparing a light lunch (part of the instruction) for each session.

Donations to IREA (a non-profit organization) are $40 per class for IREA members and $60 for non-members. Non-member fees will include IREA membership. Payment for anyone who attends a class will be reduced to the member rate for the following class. Materials and meals are included.

Advanced registration is essential.

For more information or to register, e-mail sonia@essex1.com or phone (815) 732-7332.